Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and sweet morning treat perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Layers of bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese are soaked in a lightly spiced egg mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Meat
- 8 slices of bread
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup diced turkey
Dairy and Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Flavorings and Toppings
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking your casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help with easy serving later.
- Layer Bread Base: Place half of the bread slices evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish, creating the base layer of the casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread layer so it soaks into the slices well.
- Add Meat Layers: Distribute the diced ham and turkey evenly over the soaked bread layer, adding savory flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the meat layers for richness and meltiness.
- Top with Remaining Bread: Layer the remaining bread slices over the cheese and meat, forming the upper layer of the casserole.
- Pour Remaining Egg Mixture and Cheese: Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top bread layer ensuring good coverage, then sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese to finish the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown on top, and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and dust the top lightly with powdered sugar before slicing and serving for a subtle sweet contrast.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute the ham and turkey with any cooked deli meats or even leftover roasted meats.
- For a richer casserole, use whole milk or add a splash of cream to the egg mixture.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a side of maple syrup for a classic Monte Cristo flavor experience.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
